Things to do around Dallas County include a Care Closet, Festival of Trees

Four Views of Whiterock

5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 at La Poste, Perry.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, La Poste and Whiterock Conservancy invite the public to the artists’ reception of the Four Views of Whiterock, during Handle Bar Happy Hour. Featured artists: Gary Hoff, Leslie Leavenworth, Mickey Carlson, and Dianne Liepa will have their work on display in the Cellar of La Poste throughout the month of January. Following artist introductions, Reggie Greenlaw will be providing music entertainment for the evening. More information about Four Views of Whiterock can be found on the La Poste, LLC Facebook page.

Crossroads Church Care Closet

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Jan. 6-7 at Crossroads Church, 2810 First St., Perry.

The Crossroads Church Care Closet is growing and will now be open the first weekend of every month starting in January. The Care Closet will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 6-7. Everything is free, including clothing for men, women, boys and girls, kitchenware, small appliances and more. Donations will also be accepted from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and on days the Care Closet is open. For more information, call 515-465-5478.

Festival of Trees

Through Jan. 8 at Carnegie Library Museum, Perry.

The Festival of Trees is back for its eighth year, and it’s time to celebrate in person again. From Nov. 22 to Jan. 8, the Carnegie Library Museum will transform into a merry wonderland, with beautifully decorated themed trees and festive displays installed by individuals, businesses, and organizations, all designed to put us in the holiday spirit. Enjoy the magical atmosphere all season at this free event. For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum: 515-465-7713.

Christmas Tree Pick-Up

Wednesday, Jan. 11 in Perry.

The city of Perry will pick up Christmas trees and evergreen garlands or wreaths from residential areas on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Trees should have all decorations removed. Please do not place trees or greenery in disposal bags. Trees and greenery should be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. to assure pickup. Please call Perry City Hall at 515-465-2481 if you have any questions.

Free Community Supper

5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, Heartland Church of Christ, 14417 J Ave., Perry.

All are welcome to join us at Heartland Church of Christ in Perry for supper on the second Wednesday of every month - no charge. Take a night off cooking and let us serve you!

Shake Your Winter Blues

10-11:30 a.m. OR 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Kuehn Conservation Area, Earlham.

Looking for a fun way to get out of the house and off the screens? A change of scenery and a shock to the senses are sure ways to stimulate the mind and body. Learn about some of the features and animals unique to this area, and then explore the outdoors with a hike on- or off-trail with a naturalist or on your own. Register to be notified of weather cancelation through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Spend Smart, Eat Smart Cooking Class

1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 15th and Otley (one block south of Willis), Perry.

The Perry Area Food Pantry and Iowa State Extension are sponsoring a free "Spend Smart, Eat Smart" cooking class from 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church. Tom Keinert, instructor and a former chef, will lead the class. It is limited to 20 participants. There will be food samples using products from the food pantry shelves. Child care will be available on site. Call or text 515-570-0627 for reservation or stop by food pantry Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon to sign up.

Build Your Own Rain Barrel

9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at ISU Extension Office, Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel.

Dallas County Conservation Board is partnering with the Dallas County ISU Extension Office to provide this program. Learn about water quality in Iowa, and build your own rain barrel to do your part to reduce flooding and stormwater pollution on your property. The cost is $50. All materials provided. Registration is required through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Jake Doty and the Swensongs

2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at Perry Performing Arts Center, 1200 18th St, Perry

The Perry Fine Arts Series will be presenting Jake Doty and the Swensongs at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22 in the Perry Performing Arts Center. Jake Doty and the Swensongs are a dynamic group of musicians playing a wide variety of your favorite songs from classic rock, pop and country artists. The group features Jake Doty on acoustic guitar and vocals; Dave Swenson on electric guitar, keyboards, fiddle and vocals; Austin Lutes-Swenson on bass and vocals; and Paul Navara on drums. Perry Fine Arts concerts are free and open to all. Donations are accepted. The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

Mobile Food Pantry

8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Crossroads Church, Perry.

Crossroads Church will host a mobile food pantry from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.

To submit events to be included in the Around the County or Happenings in and around Perry round-ups, email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com.

This article originally appeared on Dallas County News: Things to do around Dallas County include a Care Closet, Festival of Trees